Office of Public Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

So what exactly is the Office of Public Engagement?

The Office of Public Engagement (OPE) provides direction and coordination for public outreach programs and strategic planning activities at the Department of Labor (DOL). OPE assists the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, agency heads and departmental staff in the development of effective programs and strategies that promote department goals and objectives, as well as with the gathering of feed-back regarding DOL's on-the-ground operations and effectiveness.

Secretary Solis has also tasked our office with making sure that all segments of the American public, including groups traditionally left out of government, have a voice in the Department's policies and programs. In particular, the Office of Public Engagement reaches out to racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, youth, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

You might consider the Office of Public Engagement your front door to Secretary Solis and the Department of Labor. We are here to hear from you, and help you navigate the Department of Labor and get answers to your questions and concerns.

I'd like to set up a meeting with a member of your office. How do I do that?

We'd love to hear from you! Please drop us an email at ope@dol.gov. Please include your name, the organization you represent, your contact information, and what issue you'd like to discuss. A member of the Public Engagement team will contact you and set up a time to speak / meet. If you live in the Washington, DC area or will be visiting we are happy to meet with you in person, if you don't, we are happy to talk with you on the phone. Please give us at least two weeks notice if you are seeking an in-person meeting as schedules can become very busy and we want to be able to give you as much time as possible.

Can you help me get a grant for my organization from the Department of Labor?

No. We'd be happy to talk with you about the particular grants or programs that the Department of Labor offers, but we have no say, and no influence in the process and allocation of grants or other government monies.

Why are you called the Office of Public Engagement?

When President Obama was elected, one of his main goals was bringing transparency to government and access to government to all Americans. One of President Obama's first tasks in the effort to complete this goal was creating The White House Office of Public Engagement. President Obama said, “This office will seek to engage as many Americans as possible in the difficult work of changing this country, through meetings and conversations with groups and individuals held in Washington and across the country.” The Department of Labor Office of Public Engagement is a sister office to the White House Office of Public Engagement and we seek to fulfill the promises of President Obama and Secretary Solis of a transparent and accessible federal government to the American people.

Still have questions?

Feel free to drop us an email at ope@dol.gov and we will get back to you as soon as possible.